JB09 Posted August 19, 2010 Share Posted August 19, 2010 OK... Ginger has been feather pulling her chest area for sometime now, I first thought she was having a little moult but it turns out she's a self plucker! I have tried all matter of sprays and creams but the last one, Nettex, has some kind or tar in it and has left her feathers clumped together and in a dreadful state. She seems to be getting balder by the day and looks more like an ex batt than the beautiful chook she was a few months ago. I have opted for bumper bits and I'm now struggling with the concept. She has had it on a couple of times but all she needs to do is scratch and it goes pinging accross the garden. I am obviously not putting it on properly but need to know what part clips in the nostrals? On the picture below is it the red or green ringed prongs that fit into the nostrals? Thanks guys - really need to get this sorted before she tries some kind of heniside and puts herself into the oven! she looks ready for it! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Saronne Posted August 19, 2010 Share Posted August 19, 2010 Sorry to hear about your difficulty. It's the red bits that fit into the hen's nostrils. Try warming up the plastic under hot water first - that will make it a bit more flexible and easy to fit. Wrap the hen in an old towel to ensure it's not squirming, and get someone else to either hold the hen or fit the bit whilst you hold the hen. You need to stay calm and be confident throughout the process as the hens always wriggle, look miserable and try to make you feel very guilty. Good luck! Saronne x Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JB09 Posted August 19, 2010 Author Share Posted August 19, 2010 Thank you, the trouble I am having is that the prongs won't stay in the nostrals - they keep sliding down so the bit is coming out of her mouth. It is on tight and everytime I think I've done it "ping" off it pops! Where abouts in the nostral area should I aim for? top, middle or bottom?! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Saronne Posted August 19, 2010 Share Posted August 19, 2010 Maybe you've been putting them in the 'false' nostrils which are slightly lower down the beak and not the true nostril holes...(Help me out someone! Am I talking rubbish here?! ). Saronne x Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Dogmother Posted August 19, 2010 Share Posted August 19, 2010 No you're not Saronne, the front of the nostrils has a flap of skin just inside so the bit will come back out again. You need to put it in the top of her nostrils nearest to the eyes. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
koo2cat Posted August 20, 2010 Share Posted August 20, 2010 Buy a bumper bit gun from Wernlas!! One of my chickens permanently had a bumper bit on (well she has passed now RIP!) It kind of holds the bit open (a bit like pliers) so you just clip it on! I could single handedly put a bumper bit on a chicken with this device in about 3 sec flat in the right place! The bit would then stay on for around 3 months! Think they are about £20 but well worth the money I think! Hope that helps! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
